Celebrating Us: BIPOC Spaces of Joy

Unlike other organizations that may be aimed at diverse services for patrons, these groups are specifically aimed towards library workers of color and that in itself gives us a feeling of liberation and joy! These like-minded organizations from across the country differ greatly, but have the same focus on highlighting and supporting library workers of color. The panel will consist of representatives from the following groups:

The Coalition for Library Workers of Color is a group dedicated to inclusivity by providing a space for Library workers of all colors, their allies, and members of fellow marginalized groups, that recently grew out of a local library system and is now officially state-wide (under the New York Library Association).

The Joint Council of Librarians of Color (JCLC, Inc.) is a nonprofit organization that advocates for and addresses the common needs of the American Library Association ethnic affiliates (the American Indian Library Association (AILA), the Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA), the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA), the Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA), and REFORMA: The National Association to Promote Library & Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-speaking). The LibVoices podcast is a platform that showcases information professionals of color. Listeners hear the fullness of their careers including successes, challenges, and achievements. We Hereâ„¢ï seeks to provide a safe and supportive community for Black and Indigenous folks, and People of Color (BIPOC) in library and information science (LIS) professions and educational programs, and to recognize, discuss, and intervene in systemic social issues that have plagued these professions both currently and historically.

Join us to learn how these organizations got their start, how to join them, and how to create your own local group! No one should feel like the outsider at work.